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Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, led a high-powered delegation to Kambia District on Friday, 26th September 2025, as part of preparations for the upcoming World Food Day celebration scheduled for 31st October 2025.
The visit included a venue assessment and a field trip to Kobia in Mambolo Chiefdom, bringing together traditional leaders, government officials, civil society, farmers, youth, women, and security stakeholders.
Following a traditional welcome led by Hon. Paramount Chief Bai Farma Tass Bubu N’gbak IV, the meeting was formally chaired by Deputy Secretary Mr. Kanneh, who emphasized the importance of collective responsibility.
Distinguished speakers included Hon. Resident Minister North-West, Ambassador Bond Wurrie, who reaffirmed Kambia’s pivotal role as the nation’s “breadbasket” and urged Paramount Chiefs to mobilize their communities through inclusive committees involving agriculture officials, civil society, media, drivers’ unions, women, youth, and farmers.
Senior agricultural experts also contributed to the session. Professor Abdulai Jalloh, Chief Agricultural Officer, highlighted Kambia’s ecological potential and announced plans to upgrade SLARI’s Rokupr Rice Research Station into a Center of Excellence for Mangrove Research and Production.
Mr. Thullie, Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer, discussed earlier feasibility assessments and explained why Kambia Mini Stadium was selected as the official venue, citing available guesthouses and stakeholder readiness. He also recalled that Kambia last hosted World Food Day in 2003 under the late Mr. B.J. Bangura.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Kpaka expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people of Kambia. He unveiled a $70 million project aimed at boosting agriculture in the district and announced that 10,000 bags of rice have already been stocked at Kobia Agriculture Center to support school feeding programs.
The Minister pledged to empower farmers and assured them that President Julius Maada Bio is committed to purchasing agricultural produce and leaving it in Kambia after the event.
District Agricultural Officer Mr. Mohamed Turay welcomed the honor of hosting World Food Day and assured stakeholders of his office’s readiness. He also announced the passing of Mr. Brima Kargbo, District Crops Officer, a dedicated servant of agriculture for nine years, with a minute of silence observed in his memory.
Other key interventions included PC Alimamy Sorie Sankoh Yillah (Gbileh Chiefdom), who highlighted road challenges fueling food smuggling and pledged land for an Agricultural Veterinary Hub. The Civil Society Movement Secretary General called for transparency and accountability through inclusive committees. Colonel Kemokai, Commander of the 11 Infantry Battalion, pledged military support for the event, including constructing booths and maintaining security. The NAFSL Coordinator, speaking on behalf of farmers, expressed gratitude for government support through the FSRP Project and confirmed farmers’ readiness to showcase their produce.
The occasion concluded with a vote of thanks from Madam Isata Sesay, District Mammy Queen.
Minister Kpaka’s entourage later toured the Kambia Mini Stadium and visited Kobia Agriculture Center, returning to Freetown with renewed optimism that Kambia is fully prepared to host World Food Day 2025 in grand style.
